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Autumn Nations Series

Superstars return as Fiji make 6 changes for Wales

By Josh Raisey

42 days ago

Josua Tuisova of Fiji, Semi Radradra of Fiji are dispointed after losing the match during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Fiji at Stade de Bordeaux on September 10, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Fiji have welcomed back a host of their superstar players for their clash with Wales on Sunday at the Principality Stadium after being without them for the 57-17 loss to Scotland last week.

With the match against Scotland falling outside the international window, Fiji were unable to field their players based in the Top 14 and Gallagher Premiership, meaning some of the biggest names in rugby were missing.

Head coach Mick Byrne has now been able to call upon Lyon’s Semi Radradra, Racing 92’s Josua Tuisova and Toulon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo from the Top 14, as well as captain Waisea Nayacalevu, to revolutionise the Fijian backline.

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There have been two changes in the pack, with Saracens’ loosehead Eroni Mawi coming in, as well as Northampton Saints’ Temo Mayanavanua.

Had Fiji been able to field this team against Gregor Townsend’s side, the result may have been very different, and Wales will be acutely aware that they will be coming up against a different beast on Sunday as they look for their first Test win of 2024.

Fixture

Internationals

Wales

19 - 24

Full-time

Fiji

All Stats and Data

Fiji XV
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Tevita Ikanivere
3 Samu Tawake
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Temo Mayanavanua
6 Meli Derenalagi
7 Kitione Salawa
8 Elia Canakaivata
9 Frank Lomani
10 Caleb Muntz
11 Semi Radradra
12 Josua Tuisova
13 Waisea Nayacalevu – captain
14 Jiuta Wainiqolo
15 Vuate Karawalevu

Replacements
16 Sam Matavesi
17 Haereiti Hetet
18 Jone Koroiduadua
19 Mesake Vocevoce
20 Albert Tuisue
21 Simione Kuruvoli
22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
23 Sireli Maqala

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Comments on RugbyPass

Hellhound 19 minutes ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

On this I agree with you. There were many great teams and many different eras of rugby with very different rule sets. It's actually impossible to declare one team or player as the best ever. However, this is definitely the best SA team SA has ever had. All the accolades speaks for itself.

129 Go to comments

Hellhound 23 minutes ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments

Barry 47 minutes ago

URC chief executive addresses potential Premiership merger

The RFU won't go for it especially now they've enhanced hybrid contracts and some control over their international players.

2 Go to comments

Barry 3 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Exactly. They haven't learnt. Their regions and U20s are also whipping boys which is the bigger concern. Nothing coming through.

They maxed out the credit cards to keep their golden generation of players at home. It's now destroyed the game at every level in Wales.

10 Go to comments

Barry 3 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

Nor can the same coach turn it around. That's been proven across the last year. It will be years before they are even competitive again. It's a 5 year + job. No way Gatland will be around for that.

Italy's nadir was around ten years ago and even they were better equipped with their regions, U20s and senior squad and management. Wales have further to fall.

10 Go to comments

Barry 3 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

If they're happy at losing 12 on the bounce, get a regional coach who would be as bad but cost about a sixth in salary.

10 Go to comments

dw 4 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I'm no expert but I've never seen nz or even aus as doing much for those nations? Both have benefited from their countries players playing for us! I see most of the top nations looking after themselves and maybe it's a world rugby issue?

129 Go to comments

richard davies 4 hours ago

Warren Gatland finds out his fate as Wales undergo huge changes

At 600k a year I would think there will be quite a Que. win lose or draw you can blame the small stature of the players and the WRU